A ONE-MAN crimewave was today jailed for a total of eight years after admitting 88 burglaries and firearms charges.

Mark Davis, 50, of Mendlesham Road, Brockford, targeted petrol stations, schools, pubs and social clubs in Suffolk and Essex during his prolific burgling spree, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

While carrying out the break-ins, balaclava-clad Davis often smashed his way into the businesses which were unoccupied using a wooden implement.

He then stole cigarettes by scooping them into a lightweight plastic dustbin which he then emptied into the boot of his car. At other places he stole cash.

Michael Crimp told the court at Davis’ sentencing the value of the damaged property and the goods stolen totalled at least �76,000.

The break-ins took place during 2008, 2009 and into the early part of this year, before Davis was arrested in March.

Although he did not carry any firearms with him during the burglaries police found a revolver and two shotguns when they searched a shed next to the caravan where Davis lived. They also found 30 to 35 bullets and other ammunition.

Davis, who pleaded guilty to 10 burglaries at an earlier hearing asked for 78 more to be taken into account today.

He was sentenced to three years in prison for the burglaries and an additional five years jail for fire arms offences.

After the hearing Inspector Stuart Sowerby who led the enquiry described Davis’ offending as “prolific” and “brazen”.